Coolant type? and whats up with the MPG?

[carpetguy00]

When I replaced my radiator I filled it up with the green coolant. Ive noticed that my heat isnt very hot, and I have a very slight leak i cant seem to find, but sometimes I can smell hot coolant. Been looking for this leak for 2 months. So i wonder...is it absolutely necessary to put the red stuff back in ?

I know a lot of ur MPGs depend on your driving style, but what should I expect out of my Camry for gas mileage? I think its an 18 gallon tank, but even running it down under E with the gas lite on, ive only been able to get 15 gallons in it. On a long trip freeway only driving, I got about 450 miles to a tank of gas. Seems about 330 miles mixed driving. And my car runs so well, you dont hear it or feel it running at a light. Ive had newer domestics, but this car runs better and smoother than anything else Ive ever owned!

[deadrx7conv]

No, you don't have to use red. But, green coolant is good for about a year. So, change it more frequently.

Your leak is a problem. Find it. Lack of heat can be non-OE thermostat, old thermostat, or low coolant. Worst case is the heater core is clogged caused by lack of coolant changes.

[bdy0003]

Coolant: Get it fixed. Be sure to refill the coolant and dont mix!

MPGs: 18.5 tank, but yes letting it go down pass E will yield only ~15. The US mandates that you get some breathing room after your gas light comes on. I've heard of some going on for 50 miles after the computer says zero miles left.

450 isn't too bad for a long drive. My car is capable of going 500 with NO stops, not even from the driver, but I go the the speed limit just to maximize my mpgs (~38). Mixed driving depends on how mixed: length of commute and percentages of freeway, city driving -- so I can't really comment on 330. On my commute which is about 70% highway, 30% city, I got around 27 and I would fill up at 400.

Of course, basic tuneup and othersgoes a long way: proper air pressure in tires, condition of tires, gas mix (winter vs summer), weight in car, O2 sensors, etc...

Originally Posted by carpetguy00

When I replaced my radiator I filled it up with the green coolant. Ive noticed that my heat isnt very hot, and I have a very slight leak i cant seem to find, but sometimes I can smell hot coolant. Been looking for this leak for 2 months. So i wonder...is it absolutely necessary to put the red stuff back in ?

I know a lot of ur MPGs depend on your driving style, but what should I expect out of my Camry for gas mileage? I think its an 18 gallon tank, but even running it down under E with the gas lite on, ive only been able to get 15 gallons in it. On a long trip freeway only driving, I got about 450 miles to a tank of gas. Seems about 330 miles mixed driving. And my car runs so well, you dont hear it or feel it running at a light. Ive had newer domestics, but this car runs better and smoother than anything else Ive ever owned!